When it comes to mental health care, many people find themselves wondering about the difference between a psychiatric evaluation and a therapy session. While both are essential components of mental wellness, they serve very different purposes and are conducted by different types of professionals. Understanding the distinction can help individuals make informed decisions about their care, ensuring they receive the right type of support at the right time. In this blog, we’ll break down what sets a psychiatric evaluation apart from a therapy session, who performs each, and how they can work together to support your mental health journey.
In This Blog:
- Defining a Psychiatric Evaluation
- Defining a Therapy Session
- Key Differences in Structure and Focus
- Different Professionals, Different Roles
- When Do You Need Each?
- Can You Do Both?
Defining a Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive assessment designed to diagnose mental health conditions and determine the best course of treatment. It is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner, which are medical professionals who are licensed to prescribe medication and manage psychiatric disorders. During the evaluation, the provider will ask a series of detailed questions about your current symptoms, past mental health history, physical health, family history, substance use, and any previous treatments or medications. The goal is to gain a full understanding of your mental and emotional functioning to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This process may also include screening tools or standardized questionnaires. Unlike a therapy session, which focuses more on emotional processing and support, a psychiatric evaluation is clinical in nature and focused on determining whether medication, further testing, or referral to another specialist is needed.
Defining a Therapy Session
A therapy session, also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, is a structured but conversational meeting between a patient and a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or clinical social worker. The primary goal of therapy is to help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to develop healthier coping strategies and improve their overall well-being. Unlike psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions are not focused on diagnosis or medication management. Instead, they provide a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore personal challenges, relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, and sessions are typically scheduled on a regular, ongoing basis. Over time, therapy helps clients build insight, achieve goals, and foster emotional resilience through techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or psychodynamic approaches.
Key Differences in Structure and Focus
While both psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions are essential for mental health care, they differ significantly in their structure, purpose, and approach. A psychiatric evaluation is typically a one-time or occasional appointment aimed at diagnosing a condition and determining the need for medications or further psychiatric care. In contrast, therapy sessions are ongoing meetings focused on emotional healing, behavior change, and long-term personal growth.
Therapy tends to be more open-ended and conversational, often exploring past experiences, emotions, and coping strategies. Psychiatric evaluations , on the other hand, are more structured, clinical, and oriented toward diagnosis and treatment planning. Understanding these differences helps clarify what to expect from each type of appointment.
| Feature | Psychiatric Evaluation | Therapy Session |
| Primary Purpose | Diagnosis and treatment planning | Emotional support and behavior change |
| Conducted By | Psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner | Therapist, psychologist, counselor, or LCSW |
| Typical Frequency | One-time or occasional | Regular and ongoing (weekly or biweekly) |
| Session Focus | Symptoms, medical history, medications | Emotions, coping, relationships, self-growth |
| Length of Session | 45–90 minutes (initial), shorter follow-ups | 45–60 minutes |
| Includes Medication Discussion? | Yes | No |
| Goal | Accurate diagnosis, initiate treatment | Improve mental well-being over time |
These differences show that while psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions in Draper, UT can work hand-in-hand, they fulfill distinct roles within a comprehensive mental health plan.
Different Professionals, Different Roles
Understanding the difference between the professionals who provide psychiatric evaluations and those who offer therapy sessions is essential for navigating mental health care. Each provider has a unique role based on their training, credentials, and scope of practice.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are medical professionals who specialize in mental health diagnosis, medication management, and treatment planning. They focus on the biological and physiological aspects of mental illness and are licensed to prescribe medications. These providers typically conduct psychiatric evaluations and may continue to monitor a patient’s progress through periodic check-ins.
Therapists, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs), specialize in talk therapy. They help patients process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges related to relationships, trauma, stress, and more. While they do not prescribe medication, therapists often collaborate with psychiatrists to ensure integrated care.
| Category | Psychiatrist / Psychiatric NP | Therapist / Psychologist / Counselor |
| Medical Training | Yes (MD, DO, or NP with psychiatric specialization) | No medical degree; trained in mental health therapy |
| Can Prescribe Medication | Yes | No |
| Primary Role | Diagnosis and medication management | Emotional support and psychotherapy |
| Conducts Evaluations | Yes | Sometimes (initial assessments, not for meds) |
| Provides Talk Therapy | Sometimes (less common) | Yes (primary role) |
| Focus Area | Biological/medical aspects of mental illness | Psychological, emotional, and behavioral support |
By knowing which provider offers what type of care, patients can better understand how to build a well-rounded treatment plan that fits their needs. Often, the most effective mental health support involves collaboration between both types of professionals.
When Do You Need Each?
Knowing when to seek a psychiatric evaluation in Draper, UT versus starting therapy can make a big difference in your treatment journey. A psychiatric evaluation is especially important when you are experiencing intense or disruptive symptoms that could indicate a mental health condition, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe anxiety. It’s also the first step if you’re considering psychiatric medication or need a diagnosis for school, work accommodations, or disability benefits.
Therapy, on the other hand, is ideal for individuals looking to explore emotions, navigate stress, work through trauma, or improve coping skills. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from therapy and it can be helpful for anyone going through life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, or personal growth challenges.
In many cases, a combination of both is most effective. For example, someone with depression may benefit from a psychiatrist’s medical expertise to stabilize symptoms with medication while attending therapy sessions for ongoing emotional support and behavioral strategies.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. In fact, combining psychiatric care with therapy is often considered the gold standard for treating many mental health conditions. Medications can help regulate brain chemistry, making it easier for patients to engage meaningfully in therapy. At the same time, therapy provides the tools and insight needed to address the root causes of distress and build long-term resilience.
This dual approach is especially beneficial for conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Many mental health providers work within collaborative care models, where psychiatrists and therapists communicate regularly to ensure the patient receives well-coordinated support.
If you’re unsure which service to begin with, starting with an initial consultation or comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help determine the best plan. From there, your provider may recommend adding therapy, medication, or both, depending on your unique needs and goals.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between a psychiatric evaluation and a therapy session is essential for navigating your mental health journey with confidence. While a psychiatric evaluation focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning that often involves medication, therapy sessions provide ongoing emotional support and skill-building through talk therapy. Both play distinct yet complementary roles in mental health care, and many individuals benefit from a combination of the two. By recognizing when each service is appropriate and how they can work together, you can take informed steps toward improved mental well-being and a more personalized treatment experience.
Struggling with your mental health? Whole Mind TMS in Draper, UT offers compassionate, evidence-based care including TMS therapy, Spravato®, psychotherapy, and medication management. Schedule your appointment and start your path to feeling better.
